ORDER OP INSECTIVOEA. 519 



The Tendracs are scarcely different from the Hedgehogs. Like 

 them, they have the body covered with spines, and roll themselves 

 into a ball ; but they are smaller. 



The Tanrecs are rather more slender and lanky, their prickles 

 are less rigid and are mixed with silky hair, and they do not 

 possess the faculty of rolling themselves so completely up in a 

 ball. They have no tail. They are found not only in Madagascar, 

 but also in the islands of Bourbon and the Mauritius. Some 

 authors have affirmed that the Tanrecs are torpid during the hot 

 season as the Hedgehogs are under the influence of cold ; but this 

 statement is unsupported by proof. What may be received as a 

 fact is, that these animals sleep during the day, and sail}' out in 

 search of their food at nisfht. 



Fig. 227. — Tikus, or Gymnura (^Gijmnura Hnffitsii), 



Genus Gymnura. — The Gymnures (Fig. 227) are notably dif- 

 ferent from the Hedgehogs and Tanrecs. They show no trace of 

 spines ; their hair is silky everywhere, their muzzle is elongated, 

 the tail is as long as the body, and their shape is altogether grace- 

 ful. Only one species is known, the Gymnura RafflesU, named 

 after the distinguished naturalist and traveller, Sir Thomas 

 Raffles. This animal is found in Sumatra, but its habits have 

 not been studied. It is about the same size as the Common 

 Hedgehog. 



Genus Tupaia. — The Tupaias inhabit India and the Sunda 

 Islands. They have much resemblance to the Squirrels, possessing 

 their movements, and also living on trees. Their food consists of 

 insects and fruit. They have abundant soft hair, and a long. 



